A double-blind sham-controlled trial of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of refractory auditory hallucinations.
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| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the temporoparietal cortex may have therapeutic benefits for patients with schizophrenia and treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations. We aimed to test this hypothesis in a randomized double-blind trial. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with treatment-resistant auditory hallucinations entered a randomized sham-controlled, double-blind trial. rTMS was applied for 10 consecutive weekdays, for 15 minutes at 1 Hz and 90% of the resting motor threshold. We assessed clinical symptoms and cognitive function. RESULTS: rTMS was safe with no adverse effects on memory and cognitive parameters assessed. Active treatment did not result in a greater therapeutic effect than sham on any measure except for the loudness of hallucinations where there was a significant reduction in the active versus the sham group over time. CONCLUSIONS: The study does not support the effectiveness of rTMS using the stimulation parameters provided. However, it does suggest that rTMS methods may have a therapeutic role and indicates the need for further exploration of alternative and more effective stimulation methods.
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| Authors | Paul B Fitzgerald, Jessica Benitez, Jeff Z Daskalakis, Timothy L Brown, Natasha A U Marston, Anthony de Castella, Jayashri Kulkarni |
| Journal | Journal of clinical psychopharmacology (J Clin Psychopharmacol) Vol. 25 Issue 4 Pg. 358-62 (Aug 2005) ISSN: 0271-0749 [Print] United States |
| PMID | 16012279 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't) |
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